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Publisher's Summary

A legendary CIA spy and counterterrorism expert tells the spellbinding story of his high-risk, action-packed career while illustrating the growing importance of America's intelligence officers and their secret missions.

For a crucial period, Henry Crumpton led the CIA's global covert operations against America's terrorist enemies, including al Qaeda. In the days after 9/11, the CIA tasked Crumpton to organize and lead the Afghanistan campaign. With Crumpton's strategic initiative and bold leadership, from the battlefield to the Oval Office, U.S. and Afghan allies routed al Qaeda and the Taliban in less than 90 days after the Twin Towers fell. At the height of combat against the Taliban in late 2001, there were fewer than 500 Americans on the ground in Afghanistan, a dynamic blend of CIA and Special Forces. The campaign changed the way America wages war. This book will change the way America views the CIA.

The Art of Intelligence draws from the full arc of Crumpton's espionage and covert action exploits to explain what America's spies do and why their service is more valuable than ever. From his early years in Africa, where he recruited and ran sources, from loathsome criminals to heroic warriors; to his liaison assignment at the FBI, the CIA's Counterterrorism Center, the development of the UAV Predator program, and the Afghanistan war; to his later work running all CIA clandestine operations inside the United States, he employs enthralling storytelling to teach important lessons about national security, but also about duty, honor, and love of country.

No book like The Art of Intelligence has ever been written - not with Crumpton's unique perspective, in a time when America faced such grave and uncertain risk. It is an epic, sure to be a classic in the annals of espionage and war.

Story

Looking for a place in History?

Interesting but not fascinating. This book contains details of the CIA's involvement in various world events but these are muddied by the author's use of acronyms and un-necessary descriptions of the physical attributes of his characters. It would have been much more rewarding to learn more about their interactions with others and less about whether they could 'growl, spit' etc. That the author was flattered by the fact that George W. Bush put his hand on his back is, perhaps, understandable but self-aggrandizing and his recall of conversations had with various people is either a result of perfect recall or that they were all recorded - both of which are unlikely. Still, there are lessons to be learned and the author points out some of these very clearly. It is to be hoped that politicians and public servants have taken note and action.

A biographical Text Book.

The organization. He organizes it in chronological order in parts, intelligence collection methods in others, and in other various ways. It makes allows for too many rapid departures and side stories.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Break it out into clear sections. Only occasionally drift off subject. Do not use the side story as a vehicle to lengthen the book and drive home obvious points. Its a book on Intelligence for the love of Pete! People interested in reading this subject probably have at least the basics down.

Did David Colacci do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Only one Character so hard to say. But he was very dry.

Did The Art of Intelligence inspire you to do anything?

I wanted to know more about some of the key individuals and events talked about. So i wiki'd them. I guess that counts.

Any additional comments?

Though it is informative, it is like reading a text book. 70% of the information you already know or have been exposed to. you have to wade through the personal and political agenda of the author to get at some of the better bits of info though.

Like a Baked Potato - plain without anything else

Any additional comments?

Very interesting overall, but the lack of specific details makes the book bland as hell. He basically covers his career and the highlights through the years. We get a pseudo inside look at the CIA and intelligence, but the story continually suffers from a lack of specificity. I understand that anything like this has to be scrubbed of details to protect the innocent, but that doesn't mean it makes for good reading.

Insider perspective on the modern world of intel

What did you love best about The Art of Intelligence?

An insider perspective of the world of intelligence and modern warfare as they hunt for the most wanted terrorists. Crumpton pinpoints the differences between multiple agencies he collaborated with over the years from education, technology, tradecraft, protocol, dealing with politics, decision making as well as working with the private sector.

What did you like best about this story?

An insider perspective of the world of intelligence and modern warfare. The reasons behind introducing drones and their evolution into effective predators is described in great detail. Fascinating look into use of data to improve decision making. The story is surprisingly revealing.

What about David Colacci’s performance did you like?

The narration was direct and purposeful, but not droning.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were some beautiful uses of data described. The collaboration between government agencies described is awe inspiring. There is some parts of prayer and deep patriotic feelings by the author.

Excellent!!!!

Mediocre Grandstanding

Sadly, the portion at the beginning, when he speaks of his time in Africa is so vague, it might as well be edited out. The portion covering Afghanistan adds no new insights. Instead of this book, read/listen to Ghost Wars or Taliban.

The portion regarding Silicon Valley and US universities is as vague as the segment on Africa. I would not recommend the time commitment of this book.

A Look Behind the Curtain of Today's Intelligence System

This book provides an interesting and compelling look at what happens in the CIA's world on covert intelligence without compromising the safety & security of those who continue to serve our nation. The perspective of the author is quite unique and he describes how decisions are made and what the Company did to respond to Al Qaeda before and after 9/11. He points out the same fault in the U.S. approach to foreign policy that Charlie Wilson has in the past--no matter how well we fight the battle, we always seem to screw up the end game. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in int'l relations, espionage, politics, and/or the CIA. It's well worth listening to and the reading progresses quickly and smoothly.

It can stay Clandestine

Could only get 1/3 through this. Just nothing to keep my attention, and I really tried. No suspense. No enlightenment. Very slightly interesting in the beginning to hear about the history of the CIA. Nice to hear it from his voice.

too redacted

There were some really good stories in this book, but Mr. Crumpton purposefully left out too many details....like what country was involved. As a result, it was often difficult for the listener to really get a mind's eye understanding of the full picture.